The Parliament was about to meet; and he had every reason to expect a session even more stormy than the last.
The people were discontented, and not without cause.

The year had been every where disastrous to the allies, not only on the sea and in the Low Countries, but also in Servia, in Spain, in Italy, and in Germany.

The Turks had compelled the generals of the Empire to raise the siege of Belgrade.

A newly created Marshal of France, the Duke of Noailles, had invaded Catalonia and taken the fortress of Rosas.

Another newly created Marshal, the skilful and valiant Catinat, had descended from the Alps on Piedmont, and had, at Marsiglia, gained a complete victory over the forces of the Duke of Savoy.